Parents of transgendered first-grader sue school

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (NEWSCHANNEL 3) - The parents of a Colorado first-grader have filed a discrimination lawsuit against their child's school.

Coy Mathis was born a boy, but identifies with being a girl, and up until December, Coy has been able to use the girl's restroom at school.

Now, the district says some students and parents are likely to become uncomfortable with his continued use of the bathroom, and have barred Coy from doing so.

Coy's parents have pulled her out of school, fearing that she'll be bullied if forced to use the boy's restroom.

"We want what's best for Coy," said Coy's mother, Kathryn Mathis. "We want her to have the same opportunity as all of the other children, and we want her to be able to go back to school, and be treated equally, without discrimination and harassment."

Coy's parents have filed a lawsuit against the school, hoping the administration will change its view.

A transgender rights group is representing Coy, and says the complaint is intended to have an impact beyond a single family or school.